past, and can not be for the future, unless I receive authority to dispose of the available troops according to my judgment. Please inform me at once what my position is. I do not wish to act in the dark.a

This despatch shows there was still no cavalry. To aggravate the situation, the General in Chief had telegraphed the appearance of the enemy at Leesburg; nothing had yet been heard from General Pope; the officer at Edwards Ferry had asked for cavalry; if victorious over the Army of Virginia the enemy might at any moment appear north of the Potomac, on the weak side of the defenses of the capital. Under these circumstances, the deposed commander would have been little less than criminal, had he not recommended that provision should be made for the safety of Washington on both sides of the Potomac.

Freely offering suggestions, every one of which the General in Chief accepted, it was time for him to ask what were his position and authority over the available troops. To this request no definite reply was received, beyond the understanding that he would take charge of the defenses of the capital.

The small number available appears in his next despatch, dated 6

p. m.:

I have just received the copy of a despatch from General Pope to you, dated 10 a. m., this morning, in which he says: "All forces now sent forward should be sent to my right at Gainesville." I now have at my disposal here about 10,000 men of Franklin's corps, about 2,800 of General Tyler's brigade and Colonel Tyler's First Connecticut Artillery, which I recommend should be held in hand for the defense of Washington. If you wish me to order any part of this force to the front, it is in readiness to march at a moment's notice to any point you may indicate. In view of the existing state of things in our front, I have deemed it best to order General Casey to hold his men for Yorktown in readiness to move, but not to send them off till further orders.b

There appears to be a mistake of one day in the date of General Pope's despatch. General Halleck's official report for 1862 shows that no communication was received from General Pope on the 27th. The latter, in a despatch to General McDowell, dated 8 p. m. August 26, states that he had requested General Halleck to push forward General Franklin to the point where the Manassas Gap Railroad intersects the Warrenton pike, i. e., Gainesville. (Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, Supplement, vol. 2, p. 140.)

The next despatch, on the 27th, received by General Halleck at 9 p. m., stated:

The remains of Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry are here. I am collecting them and will see that they have forage and rations to-night ready to move out on scout in the morning. They report enemy in force at Bristoe, Gainesville, and Manassası. Train just fired into, this side of Burkes Station. I found part of Cox's command under orders to take the cars; will halt it with Franklin until morning. Will be up to see you in a few minutes.c

a McClellan's Report, pp. 173, 174.

Ibid., p. 174.

Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, vol. 1, p. 459.

The following despatches between the President and Colonel Haupt, Superintendent of Railroad Transportation, will show what other light was received relative to the enemy's movements on the 27th:

"Is the railroad bridge over Bull Run destroyed?"

"Intelligence received within twenty minutes inform me that the enemy are advancing, and have crossed Bull Run bridge. If it is not destroyed it probably will be. The forces sent by us last night held it until that time."

"What became of our forces which held the bridge twenty minutes ago, as you say?"

"Our latest information is that the Eleventh Ohio held the bridge for a long time and that it is now retreating."

"Engine Dover here waiting; cannot get to Fairfax; was fired into 1 or 2 miles west of here by cavalry or band of guerrillas." (Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, vol. 1, p. 380.)

This despatch had not escaped the notice of contemporary historians. By suppressing the statement that a train had just been fired into at Burkes Station, but 14 miles from Alexandria, they accused General McClellan not only of failing to send troops forward, but of stopping those which were actually moving.

A three-months' general, just before the Battle of Bull Run, while making a railroad reconnoissance, ran his train into an ambush prepared by the enemy near Vienna and suffered a loss of several killed and wounded. Although ignorant that the enemy was on the railroad, he was ridiculed throughout the country and charged with stupidity. Had General McClellan sent General Cox forward by train to be waylaid, possibly captured, knowing that the enemy was on the railroad, he would not have been accused of stupidity-he would have been justly charged with criminality.

An examination of all the despatches sent by General McClellan between 8 a. m. and 9 p. m. of the 27th of August, reveals no evidence either of treachery, indifference, or want of energy. The first despatch from General Halleck, on the morning of the 27th, showed that he knew nothing of the position either of our own or the enemy's forces. The Army of Virginia, including two corps of the Army of the Potomac, was supposed to be somewhere between Manassas and the Rappahannock, with the enemy in its rear. The other corps of the Army of the Potomac were stretched from Alexandria to Yorktown. The only movement suggested and ordered by the General in Chief, was to send Franklin, as he had already sent Taylor, blindfolded against an enemy, possibly more than five times his number. The vision of General McClellan embraced the whole theater of war. It was he who suggested that Sumner be ordered to Alexandria, and that Burnside be withdrawn from Fredericksburg. It was he, who apparently without instructions, ordered Couch from Yorktown, his division to be replaced by new troops under General Casey, whom again he would not allow to depart till further events should transpire. If he had wished to betray the cause, why, may it be asked, did he suggest the concentration of the scattered corps of the Army of the Potomac? Why did he reiterate the opinion that Burnside and Sumner "would do better service in front of Washington?" The best evidence that he was not at the time considered disloyal is to be found in the despatches of General Halleck, who approved his recommendation relating to General Sumner, and who did not during the day censure him, for Franklin's failure to move.

The morning of the 28th of August brought still no news from the Army of Virginia. Referring to the engagement of Taylor's brigade at Manassas, Colonel Haupt telegraphed the President:

* * * The rebel forces at Manassas were large and several of their best generals were in command. I have sent a reconnoitering party of 200 sharpshooters by rail, with operators and wire to repair telegraph, make communication, and report observations.a

The President at 2.40 p. m. replied:

Yours received.

How do you learn that the rebel forces at Manassas are large, and commanded by several of their best generals? b

a Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, vol. 1, p. 381. Ibid., p. 383.

Colonel Haupt again telegraphed:

One of Colonel Scammon's surgeons was captured and released. cated the information. One of our firemen was captured and escaped. it and gives important details. General McClellan has just seen him; Scammon.a

He next telegraphed:

He communiHe confirms also Colonel

* * *

Bridge across Pohick, 1 mile west of Burke's Station, and 14 from Alexandria, is destroyed. Reconnoitering party could proceed no farther. It is clear, therefore, that the army of Virginia can receive no more supplies by rail at present, and must flank the enemy by a movement to the east, cut its way through, or be lost. a

The first telegram from General Halleck was to General Franklin:

On parting with General McClellan, about 2 o'clock this morning, it was understood that you were to move with your corps to-day toward Manassas Junction, to drive the enemy from the railroad. I have just learned that the general has not yet returned to Alexandria. If you have not received his order, act on this.

At 1 p. m. General McClellan replied:

Your despatch to Franklin received. I have been doing all possible to hurry artillery and cavalry. The moment Franklin can be started with a reasonable amount of artillery he shall go. * * I have just conversed with Colonel Hola

*

bird, and think the enemy is in so much force near Manassas as to make it necessary for us to move in force, b

General Halleck, at 3.30 p. m., replied:

Not a moment must be lost in pushing as large a force as possible toward Manassas, so as to communicate with Pope before the enemy is reenforced. I directed General Barnard to report to you, and do not know where he is. In Barnard's absence, Whipple can tell you about the garrisons of the forts. No message from Pope has reached here. c

He again telegraphed:

I have sent Colonel Cutts with maps and directions to get all the information he can pick up about General Pope. I hear nothing, except through you and General Barnard, who telegraphs that guns are heard in the direction of Manassas. Keep up telegraphic communication with Franklin, so that we may determine how far to push him forward.d

At 4.40 General McClellan telegraphed:

General Franklin is with me here. I will know in a few minutes the condition of artillery and cavalry. We are not yet in condition to move; may be by to-morrow morning. Pope must cut through to-day, or adopt the plan I suggested. I have ordered troops to garrison the works at Uptons Hill. They must be held at any cost. As soon as I can see the way to spare them, I will send a good corps of troops there. It is the key to Washington, which can not be seriously menaced as long as it is held.d

Five minutes later:

Your despatch received. Neither Franklin's nor Sumner's corps is now in condition to move and fight a battle. It would be a sacrifice to send them out now. I have sent aids to ascertain the condition of the commands of Cox and Tyler; but I still think that a premature movement in small force will accomplish nothing but the destruction of the troops sent out. I repeat that I will lose no time in preparing the troops now here for the field, and that whatever orders you may give, after hearing what I have to say, will be carried out.d

a Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, vol. 1, p. 382. Ibid., p. 459.

e Ibid., vol. 1, pp. 459, 460.

d Ibid., p. 460.

8.40 p. m. General Halleck telegraphed:

There must be no further delay in moving Franklin's corps toward Manassas. They must go to-morrow morning, ready or not ready. If we delay too long to get ready, there will be no necessity to go at all, for Pope will either be defeated or victorious without our aid. If there is a want of wagons, the men must carry provisions with them till the wagons can come to their relief."

The final despatch sent by General McClellan, at 10 p. m., was:

Your despatch received. Franklin's corps has been ordered to march at 6 o'clock to-morrow morning. Sumner has about fourteen thousand infantry, without cavalry or artillery, here. Cox's brigade of four regiments is here, with two batteries of artillery. Men of two regiments, much fatigued, came to-day. Tyler's brigade, of three new regiments, but little drilled, is also here. All these troops will be ordered to hold themselves ready to march to-morrow morning, and all except Franklin's to await further orders. If you wish any of them to move toward Manassas please inform me. Colonel Wagner, Second New York Volunteer Artillery, has just come in from the front. He reports strong infantry and cavalry force of rebels near Fairfax Court-House. Reports numerous, from various sources, that Lee and Stuart, with large forces, are at Manassas; that the enemy, with 120,000 men, intend advancing on the forts near Arlington and Chain Bridge, with a view to attacking Washington and Baltimore.a

On the morning of the 29th, the situation was unchanged. No definite information had yet been received from General Pope. At 10.30 General McClellan telegraphed to General Halleck:

Franklin's corps is in motion; started about 6 a. m. I can give him but two squadrons of cavalry. I propose moving General Cox to Uptons Hill to hold that important point with its works, and to push cavalry scouts to Vienna via Freeman Hill and Hunters Lane. Cox has two squadrons of cavalry. Please answer at once whether this meets your approval. I have directed Woodbury, with the engineer brigade, to hold Fort Lyon, however. Detailed last night two regiments to the vicinity of Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy. Meagher's brigade is still at Aquia. If Sumner moves in support of Franklin, it leaves us without any reliable troops in and near Washington, yet Franklin is too much alone. What shall be done? No more cavalry arrived. Have but three squadrons belonging to Army of the Potomac. Franklin has but 40 rounds of ammunition and no wagons to move more. I do not think Franklin is in a condition to accomplish much if he meets strong resistance. I should not have moved him but for your pressing orders of last night. What have you from Vienna and Dranesville? ¿

With but two squadrons of cavalry, an insufficient artillery, and no knowledge of the enemy, it might be asked if Franklin could accomplish much in the event of a strong resistance. The statement in the 4.45 p. m. despatch of the 28th, that" a premature movement in small force will accomplish nothing but the destruction of the troops sent out," in connection with the preceding despatch that "I should not have moved him (Franklin) but for your pressing orders of last night,” shows that General McClellan's action was dictated solely by prudential considerations. Still apprehensive for the safety of Franklin's corps, he telegraphed at 12 m:

Your telegram received. Do you wish the movement of Franklin's corps to continue? He is without reserve ammunition and without transportation.

Immediately after, he again telegraphed:

Have ordered most of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry to report to General Barnard for scouting duty toward Rockville, Poolesville, etc. If you apprehend a raid of cavalry on your side of river, I had better send a brigade or two of Sumner's to near Tenallytown, where, with two or three old regiments in Forts Allen and Marcy,

a Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, vol. 1, p. 461.
b Ibid., vol. 1, pp. 461, 462.

cIbid., p. 462.

they can watch both Chain Bridge and Tenallytown. Would it meet your views to post rest of Sumner's Corps between Arlington and Fort Corcoran, where they can either support Cox, Franklin, or Chain Bridge, and even Tenallytown? Franklin has only between 10,000 and 11,000 ready for duty. How far do you wish this force to advance? a

Replying to the despatch of 10.30, General Halleck at 12.05 p. m. telegraphed:

Upton's Hill arrangement all right. We must send wagons and ammunition to Franklin as fast as they arrive. Meagher's brigade ordered up yesterday. Fitzhugh Lee was, it is said on good authority, in Alexandria on Sunday last for three hours. I hear nothing from Drainesville. a

Charged with all the defenses of Washington and made responsible for the safety of the capital, General McClellan telegraphed at 1 p. m.:

*

I anxiously await a reply to my last despatch in regard to Sumner. Wish to give the order at once. * * I shall endeavor to hold a line in advance of Forts Allen and Marcy, at least, with strong advanced guards. I wish to hold the line through Prospect Hill, Marshall's, Miner's, and Hall's hills. This will give us .timely warning. Shall I do as seems best to me with all the troops in this vicinity, including Franklin, who I really think ought not, under the present circumstances, to proceed beyond Anandale?

Here again, with the knowledge that Franklin had but 10,000 or 11,000 men, while the enemy might have more than 60,000, he expresses the opinion, that, "under the circumstances," Franklin ought not to go beyond Anandale. The return despatch from General Halleck, breathes no suspicion of disloyalty or indifference on the part of General McClellan. On the contrary, he approved of his action as judicious; tells him that the present danger was a "raid upon Washington in the night time;" authorized him to dispose of all of the troops" as he deemed best, and then regarding Franklin's movement as one to procure information only, directed that he be pushed on to Anandale, and if necessary, to Fairfax Court-House. His despatch, dated 3 p. m., was as follows:

Your proposed disposition of Sumner's corps seems to me judicious. Of course, I have no time to examine into details. The present danger is a raid upon Washington in the nightime. Dispose of ali troops as you deem best. I want Franklin's corps to go far enough to find out something about the enemy. Perhaps he may get such information at Anandale as to prevent his going farther. Otherwise he will push on toward Fairfax. Try to get something from direction of Manassas, either by telegram or through Franklin's scouts. Our people must move more actively and find out where the enemy is. I am tired of guesses.

At 2.30 p. m. the President telegraphed:

What news from direction of Manassas Junction; what generally? b

At 2.45 General McClellan replied to the President:

The last news I received from the direction of Manassas was from stragglers, to the effect that the enemy was evacuating Centreville and retiring toward Thoroughfare Gap. This is by no means reliable.

I am clear that one of two courses should be adopted: First, to concentrate all our available forces to open communication with Pope; second, to leave Pope to get out of his scrape, and at once use all our means to make the capital perfectly safe. No middle course will now answer. Tell me what you wish me to do, and I will do all in my power to accomplish it. I wish to know what my orders and authority are. I ask for nothing, but will obey whatever orders you give. I only ask a prompt decision that I may at once give the necessary orders. It will not do to delay longer.

Shorn of his command the moment his troops took transports at Fort Monroe and Yorktown; assigned on his arrival at Alexandria to a Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, vol. 1, p. 462. Ibid, p. 463.